Southern California -- this just in

Hollywood Farmers Market will continue for at least 90 days

December 18, 2010 | 11:39
am

The Hollywood Farmers' Market will continue operation for at least another 90 days while its organizers negotiate a possible compromise with the Los Angeles Film School over access to a school parking garage.

Market officials won a 90-day extension of their street closure permit after Los Angeles City Councilman Eric Garcetti met with them and representatives from the film school Thursday. In a statement released early Saturday morning, Garcetti said both sides had agreed that the market at Ivar and Selma avenues, a local attraction since 1991, should remain in the neighborhood.

Before April 12, when the 90-day extension issued by the Board of Public Works expires, each side will consider several options, he said.

Market officials will study potential adjustments to its footprint, including alternative market layouts on adjacent streets, while film school administrators review the feasibility of joining the parking garage that is blocked by the market with another parking structure to ensure access on Sundays.

Garcetti said both sides agreed that the market should not be reduced in size.

The two parties have been at an impasse since the city denied the market a permit two weeks ago to close one block of Ivar Avenue to traffic. The permit was denied in part because the Los Angeles Film School complained that the market blocked the entrance to one of its parking garages.

Market patrons have mounted a spirited campaign to keep it open.

In an e-mail to supporters sent late Friday night, market officials thanked them -- and urged them to stay on their toes.

"Although we are encouraged by the progress made so far, we need to remain steadfast in our commitment to our principles, and ready to demonstrate that commitment again if needed," the e-mail read. "Please stay ready should we need to again show our resolve to keep the market the unique community experience it is."